I thought you'd asked this one before. These employees stipulate a degree as it's a requirement of the work permit. However, if you've got the work permit via Nottingham University (if I remember from when I was interested in studying there, you have to apply and pay for the permit), then there's no reason why you couldn't apply to BC, ELS, IH, UK English Matters, etc.

In my opinion, you'd also get more out of studying in Malaysia if you were based there full time.

You're right, and your replies were appreciated before : ) I guess I was just looking for a bit of confirmation, as - reading through the forums - I've noticed that Malaysia is often a country where 'one needs a degree'.

Studying's going well - about halfway through. How are things on your end? Any plan on going to Nottingham?

I would like to encourage you in your endeavour to do the MA. 25 years ago I had a similar experience when I left the army with no first degree and was looking for work in ESL. I managed to get on a Applied Linguistics MA programme with Portsmouth University and after one year I graduated. After that all the ESL doors started to open as I put down the MA as being my primary qualfication and no one ever asked about the first degree.

So hang in there and complete the qualification and then you can apply for numerous positions with confidence. I think that once you get to Malaysia you will find a number of part time language schools are looking for language teachers and so you should be able to supplement your studies with a bit of income from these. I assume that you will be living near the Nottingham University Campus that is south west of Kuala Lumpur and in this area are loads of language schools that would be interested in taking you on.

Sorry, Nottingham University Campus is South East - in the Kajang area. Still there are alot of language schools in Cheras, Ampang and Kajang that you could approach.

The website of Nottingham basically says you can't work as a student (realistically) ! You certainly won't get good work. The student visa is not a work permit. It does allow very restricted work in certain circumstances and only part time.

The rates of pay are low, most EFL is taught by locals and the only real money is tuition "cash in hand". Dodgy if reported.....

Malaysia is not TEFL friendly unless you get an moe or British council job (both rare and for those properly qualified and experienced).

Thanks SMR ELT, it's always nice to hear a success story. Doing this MA has been a positive experience, and I'm looking forward to having more opportunities in the future. I'm very glad that I was able to save some money while in Vietnam, and got into this program when I did (before - and not after - losing my job).

I've decided against making a move to Malaysia - party for reasons stated by Nemodot. The TESOL scene definitely has more opportunities for me here in Vietnam - even if it is becoming more strict. I did get a reply from ELS in Kuala Lumpur. They were offering me part-time work, and a low rate. Doing the math, it would have been a struggle to say the least!